Best Family Resort for Families Archives

A beginner’s guide to snorkelling

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Vanua Levu isn't just a tropical paradise above the waves. In the warm and clear waters surrounding our five star Fiji resort, guests can swim amongst lush coral gardens and multi-coloured fish while snorkelling in the soft coral capital of the world.

If you're new to snorkelling but don't want to miss out on the action, follow the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort beginner's guide and get ready for endless fun!

Stick with the experts

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is famed for its incredible snorkelling and for being the only Fiji resort with a resident marine biologist – Johnny Singh. Johnny helps educate our guests on the stunning underwater paradise before taking them out for snorkelling trips. Whether you've been snorkelling a few times before or you're a complete beginner, Johnny will take the time to ensure that you are safe, comfortable and having fun at all times.

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Sep 20, 2017 at 2:52pm PDT

Practise your breathing

Before plunging into the water, familiarise yourself with your equipment. The snorkel is a tube-like apparatus that will allow you to breathe when your mouth and nose are submerged in water. Practise breathing calmly and slowly through the tube above water before going under. Once you feel comfortable, adopt these techniques in the shallows ahead of venturing deeper.

Don't touch coral or fish

In the Namena Reserve close to the best Fiji resort live more than 1,100 species of colourful fish and 400 varieties of coral. Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we're passionate about maintaining this gorgeous underwater ecosystem so that everyone who visits can enjoy it for years to come. Help preserve this space by not touching any of the marine life you come across. Human contact can cause damage to aquatic life and even wipe out species, states Reef Relief.

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Sep 15, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

Stay calm and slow down

Although it's easy to become excited by the unbelievable views below the Savusavu waters, it's important to take your time when snorkelling to avoid exhaustion. Stay at a steady pace when exploring and stick to your group and guide. This will prevent panic to yourself and the marine life you may come across. Such creatures may include clownfish, starfish and turtles – four of the world's seven turtle species reside here!

While enjoying your five star family holiday in Fiji at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, be sure to head out on a snorkelling adventure you'll never forget.

What wildlife will you find at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort?

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Are you excited for your five star family holiday in Fiji? Of course you are! There's so much to see and do at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, including keeping an eye out for some of Vanua Levu's exotic wildlife.

What creatures will you find on your family holiday in Fiji?

Underwater creatures in the Namena Reserve

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is lucky enough to be a stone's throw away from some of the world's best diving and snorkelling spots. The Namena Reserve is approximately 70 square kilometres in size and within this vast space lives more than 1,100 species of fish and 400 corals.

At the resort, we have our resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, who is happy to take groups out to explore these waters. Here you may swim with clownfish (Nemo!), red snapper, bottlenose dolphins and even turtles! The Namena Reserve is home to four of the world's seven species of turtles, including the green turtle. This species can live up to 80 years old and weigh up to 130 kilograms, according to National Geographic – making them one of the world's largest species of turtle.

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Oct 18, 2017 at 3:33am PDT

Exotic birds on Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and home to the best Fiji resort and an abundance of exotic birds, including the following:

Fiji goshawks – This species of bird are native to Fiji and are considered a bird of prey. You may spot them in the trees and parks near the resort. They have a grey head, back, tail and wings, and yellow eyes and beak.
Orange fruit dove – As the name suggests, this Fijian bird is orange! Try and spot this colourful creature on our complimentary excursion to Nakawaga Waterfall as the orange fruit dove loves to live in forests.
Silktail – The silktail is one of the island's rarest birds and is unfortunately listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list of threatened species. However, there are still a number of silktail's that live on Vanua Levu. Look out for a small black bird with metallic blue patches and white patterned tail.

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May 31, 2017 at 3:01pm PDT

Local lizards of Vanua Levu

In Fiji, there are 30 types of reptiles that live across the archipelago's 300 islands. One that can be found on Vanua Levu is the Fiji banded iguana. This lizard is bright green in colour and has blue spots over its body – making it a little easier to spot while exploring. The Fijian government consider Fiji iguanas a national treasure and have even featured the lizards on postage stamps and currency!

While enjoying your family holiday to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, be sure to keep an eye out for some of these local creatures!

Learn how to play beach rugby on your Fiji family holiday

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

While enjoying your five star family holiday in Fiji, you'll no doubt be playing fun-filled beach games on the shores of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. One game that is incredibly popular with guests and our staff is beach rugby.

Never played? Don't worry. Follow these simple rules and you'll be scoring those tries in no time!

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Sep 18, 2017 at 2:30am PDT

Beach rugby – what's it all about?

Beach rugby is based loosely on rugby union and is played around the world. It turns out that Australians can't get enough of rugby either as more than half a million adults and children take to the field to play the sport, according to Roy Morgan research – putting it in the top 20 sports played in the country.

In fact, rugby is also a game much loved by the staff at our five star Fiji resort. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has their very own team that often takes part in competitions around the island and beyond. They're also extremely partial to a match on our own beaches so be sure to wear your game face at all times!

Who will be the winning team of your beach rugby game?

How do you play?

Depending on how many players you have rounded up, beach rugby is often played with five people per team, according to the official Rugby Union laws. However, for a casual game at the resort, four to seven is acceptable.

With rugby ball and teams ready to go, the game will begin with a free kick to the side who won the coin toss.

Whoever is lucky enough to catch the ball will begin their run up the pitch toward the marked goal! Try and dodge tackles from incoming players of the opposing team in a bid to score that all important try.

If the ball is lost to a rival team member, try your best to regain play to avoid them scoring points.

The game lasts a total of 10 minutes, with five minute halves either side and a three minute break in between. At this point, teams will switch sides and discuss tactics – perfect if a few last minute tries are needed.

That's it, time's up. Shake the sand out of your hair while the points are tallied up to determine the winning team.

Congratulations! If you managed to steal the win, well done – if not, better luck next time. Discover all the family fun you can have at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort today.

3 reasons to spend Christmas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Christmas is a time for fun, family and festivities, but amongst all of the holiday cheer, people can often be left feeling stressed when trying to please everyone.

Instead of spending your time off work worrying, why not take a holiday in the holidays to really maximise time with family?

Discover how the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can create a 5 star family holiday in Fiji that you'll never forget.

Enjoy spending Christmas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Set your body clock to island time

Christmas can be a stressful time, what with buying gifts, cooking enough food for everyone and making sure the kids are entertained. Leave work and worries at the door before jetting off to Fiji, like the 35,000 Australians who visited the tropical islands in December 2016, according to Fiji Bureau of Statistics.

Our five star Fiji resort allows families to enjoy island life to the fullest, with feet up and refreshing drink in hand. Every little detail is taken care of so that you have more time to spend with the people you care most about.

Leave work and worries at the door before jetting off to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

We're not the only ones who think that Christmas spent at the resort is a great idea, our past guests do too:

"It really was a special Christmas for ourselves and the kids, surrounded by beauty, amazing staff, good people and an intoxicating air of relaxation", writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Leave boredom at the door

Instead of wondering how to entertain the little ones over the Christmas break, at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, children will never have an excuse to be bored. Instead, watch their little faces light up like a Christmas tree when they discover the action-packed activities on offer at the Bula Club.

If there's more energy and excitement to burn off, leave them in the capable hands of our friendly nannies and buddies, while you enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the adult-only facilities. Watch as they make new friends, learn about wildlife and Fijian culture in a fun environment and splash around in child-friendly facilities.

Enjoy family outings with our fantastic range of complimentary excursions that can take you to Savusavu gems such as hidden waterfalls, traditional Fijian villages and local markets.

Spend Christmas with the family in our five star resort.

Enjoy a change of scenery

Fijians love Christmas just as much as you and your little ones. Help the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort staff decorate the Christmas tree before joining in the church service where carols are sung and spirits are high.

The stress of Christmas dinner isn't on you this year! Instead, you can dine upon traditional Fijian fare such as a Lovo feast in gorgeous surroundings.

Spending a family holiday in great company at the Jean-Michel Coustea Resort is the best gift worth giving this Christmas. Find out how we can make your holidays the best they can possibly be.

The healing powers of hitting the beach with your family

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

In 2016, 10 million Australians arrived back into the country after short-term trips away, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Fiji consistently makes the top 10 list for most frequented vacation destinations for Australians, reports the ABS. Discover how family holidays in Fiji are more than just a time for fun in the sun – a trip to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort could also be good for your health!

Get your daily dose of vitamin D

With average temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius, it's no lie that the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on the island of Vanua Levu welcomes a lot of sun. Whether relaxing or playing games on the beach – even for as little as 15 minutes – you can gain a significant amount of your daily vitamin D intake from the sun. Vitamin D helps to regulate immune systems, as well as lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks.

Remember, any time spent in the sun should be spent wearing sunscreen and protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.

Enjoy the many benefits of taking a beach holiday!

Book in for spa treatments on the beach

Indulge in spa treatments in and out of our 5 star Fiji resort and discover how the beach can help to transform your body.

Wet sand: Enjoy softer feet when walking across the wet sand. The tiny grains act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for noticeably smoother results.

Salt water: Did you know that the salt water from the clean and clear sea next to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has many health benefits? It can work to remove impurities and close pores, balance the skin's oil production and heal scrapes and cuts.

Wet sand act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for noticeably smoother results.

Unplug and unwind

Spending a 5 star family holiday in Fiji comes with many wonderful benefits such as fantastic food, action-packed adventure and breathtaking beaches, with happiness being at the top of the list. A recent Roy Morgan study found that 79.4 per cent of Australians planning a holiday in the next 12 months had a more positive outlook on life than the 67 per cent of those who don't.

Where better to unplug and relax than the pristine shores of Savusavu? Take the time to soak in the sun, snorkel and swim in the clear waters or enjoy the company of your family in beautiful conditions. Want the beach all to yourself? Hire the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort's very own private island!

Find out more about our incredible family-friendly destination and how we can make your next holiday the best yet.

Explore the aquatic paradise of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Swimming is a great way for children to keep fit – but most importantly have fun! In fact, from December 2015 – December 2016, swimming was the most participated sport by kids, with 30 per cent of Australian children taking the plunge, according to the Australian Government.

Enjoy a five star family holiday in Fiji and let your little ones discover the aquatic paradise of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

'All aboard, me hearties'

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers guests the chance to experience the best of Fijian island life through our incredible range of complimentary excursions. One of our most popular features is sailing the Savusavu sea in one of our Hobie boats. Keep an eye out for pesky pirates or friendly Bottlenose dolphins wanting to say hello. Enjoy floating around the bay and wave to your Bula Club buddies waiting at the shore.

Reel-y good fun

Grab a rod, hook your bait and get ready to catch a fish! Deep sea or closer to shore, our friendly team at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can arrange the perfect fishing trip that the whole family will enjoy. Try luring in Tuna, Walu or even a monstrous Marlin that can grow up to 14 feet, according to National Geographic.

Try luring in Tuna, Walu or even a monstrous Marlin that can grow up to 14 feet!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

As the grown-ups take some time out at the adult only pool, allow your little ones to carry on the fun at our complimentary and action-packed, award-winning Bula Club – the best kids club resort in Fiji. They will meet new friends and spend the day exploring, playing games and swimming in our kiddie's pool – no mums and dads allowed! Make your way down the snake-shaped water slide and prepare to make a serious splash at the bottom!

Will you find Nemo?

The Namena Reserve is one of Fiji's best diving sites, filled with 400 varieties of colourful coral and more than 1100 species of fishy friends. Our resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, regularly leads small groups on snorkelling trips where you might spot turtles, dolphins and even Clownfish. Even close to the shore of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort are fantastic snorkelling opportunities.

Phew! All that water-fun is tiring work. Rest your head and count sheep (or fish!) before another day of sun-filled swimming and splashing!

Fun facts you didn’t know about Fiji

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Are you excited for your 5 star family holiday in Fiji? Of course you are! With togs packed and excitement building, it's not long until you arrive at the sun-filled Jean-Micheal Cousteau Resort.

Learn more about our incredible destination and its incredible surroundings with these seven fun facts.

1. There are 333 tropical islands in Fiji and only one third of them are inhabited. This means that there are 222 paradise islands waiting to be explored. What do you think you'd find? Hidden treasure? A flock of flamingos? Awesome bamboo waterslide? The possibilities are endless.

Out of the 111 occupied islands, the best kids club resort in Fiji can be found on Vanua Levu – the second largest island out of them all! That's right, the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort is situated in the sun-filled town of Savusavu, where there are plenty of amazing activities and family fun to be had!

2. Savusavu welcomes warm weather all year round, with 25degrees Celsius the average temperature. This is great for splashing in the sea, playing beach games with the family and hanging out with new friends in the resort.

3. The Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort is home to an award winning kids club. Our Bula Kids Club is a favourite of families visiting and it's no surprise why. We've got a team of friendly buddies and nannies that are in charge of creating a fun-filled atmosphere, complete with activities, games and island adventures. Meet new friends and learn all about the amazing island, all while having so much fun.

4. The official language of Fiji is Fijian. However, people may also speak English and Hindi. Learn some simple Fijian phrases before you arrive and practise them while enjoying your stay.

5. Fiji is home to a method of cooking called 'lovo'. This involves cooking food underground! Don't worry, all of the delicious ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves before the surrounding burning rocks slowly cook them. You can experience this tasty traditional practice at the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort every week!

6. Just over 900,000 people live in Fiji, compared to the 25 million who live in Australia, according to Australia Bureau of Statistics.

7. Fijians love sport, especially rugby union. It's the most popular sport in the country and nearly ten per cent of the entire population play, according to Fiji Travel. Who do you think would win in a match between Fiji and Australia? There's only one way to find out – bring a ball and your game face!

Fiji is full of culture, beautiful beaches and so much sunshine. Enjoy all this and more while staying with us at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

How can the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort bring you closer to Fiji’s incredible food?

Posted on September 4, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

What do you look forward to when you go on holiday? Sun? Beaches? For many, both of these factors are top contenders, but experiencing local delicacies takes the number one spot for plenty of people.

Fiji is famed for its fresh seafood, island flavours and traditional cooking methods. Experience all of this and more while enjoying your stay at the five star Fiji Jean Michel Cousteau Resort.

Enjoy dining on locally sourced seafood.

Loco for lovo

A Lovo feast is not only a unique and traditional Fijian cooking method, it's also incredibly delicious! Watch as our in-house executive chef, Raymond Lee, places ingredients including various meats, fish, vegetables and taro leaves filled with corned beef, onions and coconut cream (locally known as palusami) into the pre-dug pit. The hot coals in the underground hole slowly cook the wrapped ingredients to perfection. Your children will love the theatrical element!

As The Band Boys serenade diners with their mesmerising Fijian melodies, Raymond will serve the food in a mouthwatering buffet, ready for hungry bellies.

Experience this unforgettable dining practice at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort every week.

Culinary classes for the little chefs in your life

If you have a house full of kids that can't stay out of the kitchen, you'll be thankful for the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Our award winning Bula Club not only offers your children a world of fun full of activities and games, there's also the chance to partake in our junior chef's program. With aprons on and hands washed, kids will be able to assist in preparing delicious lunches and dinners. It's a completely enjoyable and hands on experience that you won't find anywhere else that will create lifelong memories – as well as tasty treats!

See what delicious treats your kids will create.

Dine in paradise

Your luxury family holiday in Fiji wouldn't be complete without gorgeous dining spots alongside the equally gorgeous food you'll be enjoying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Thankfully, we've got plenty. Whether you choose to revel in romance dining under the stars on the end of the beachside pier, or pack a picnic and head to our private island, dining in our Savusavu resort is always special.

Tantalise your tastebuds with traditional treats

A great feature of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is the amazing array of complimentary excursions that the whole family will enjoy. From glass-bottom boat rides to visiting a traditional Fijian village, there's a lot of fun to be had. A popular choice for all guests is travelling to the market. Every Saturday morning, you'll find local vendors selling freshly caught fish from the sunrise haul, nearby grown produce and hand-crafted gifts and wares. For a vibrant, cultural and exciting morning, this market is the place to be!

Allow our expert bar staff to create exotic cocktails at our Lounge Bar.

A flavour of Fiji

With endless exotic eating experiences to indulge in, you'll need something refreshing to wash it all down with. Fiji is world-renowned for its clean and crisp rums, locally produced Fiji bitter beer and tropical cocktail concoctions, and you can sip them all at our very own Lounge Bar. Spend an evening savouring these local delights and take the time to meet other families or simply enjoying the company of your own.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort promises every single guest a marvellous time in every aspect of our 5 star Fiji resort and with full bellies and smiles all round, you'll be glad you came to stay!

Teach your kids these 10 phrases for your holiday in Fiji

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

When you're planning a family holiday, you're highly likely to place extensive research into finding the best accommodation, the area's attractions and the best time of year to go. However, learning a few simple phrases from the destination in question is a great way to get more out of your trip and immerse yourselves completely in the local culture.

Here at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, we're not only experts in providing the best family friendly Fiji holidays, we're also passionate about the culture which surrounds our beachfront resort.

Here are some of the most popular and useful phrases for you and your kids to learn before arriving in Fiji.

1. Bula – Pronounced 'buu-laa', this common Fiji phrase translates to 'hello/welcome.' A great time to say this is when meeting our friendly team at The Bula Club! If you're not yet familiar with our in-house kids club, now's the time to be.

Complimentary for children under the age of 12, it's an opportunity for your kids to meet friends whilst on holiday while taking part in heaps of fun activities and adventures, all under the watchful eyes of our buddies and nannies. As they enjoy our kid-friendly facilities, take some time off relaxing at our adult only pool.

If you decide to head out on our excursion to the traditional Fijian village, the correct way to address the chief is 'Ni Sa Bula Vinaka Saka.'

2. Vacava tiko? – This means 'how are you?' – Practise saying it out loud as 'Vaka-tha-va tiko' following on from 'bula'.

3. Moce – Another useful and extremely easy word to say while enjoying your trip translates to 'goodbye' and is pronounced 'mo-they.'

4. Vinaka – Translating to 'thank you' and pronounced 'vinahka', this common Fijian word is useful to say when someone has done something for you.

5. Kerekere – Teaching children the importance of manners, no matter where they are is nothing but a good thing. Meaning please and said as 'kerry-kerry', it's a handy word to know.

Your kids will have so much fun at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

6. Io – Short, but sweet, this translates to 'yes' and is pronounced as 'Ee-yo.'

7. Sega – Following on from yes, you guessed it, this means 'no.' Say it out loud as 'senga.'

8. Kana Vinaka – Translating to 'the food is very good' and pronounced 'kahna vinahka', say this phrase after finishing your delicious dinners at the resort.

9. Ni sa moce – Pronounced 'ni sah mothay', this simply means 'goodbye/goodnight.'

10. Sota tale – Said as 'soh-tah-tah-lay', this means 'see you again', to which we look forward to having you back for another spectacular stay at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

For more information on how we can make your 5-star family holiday in Fiji the best yet, click here.

3 reasons why your kids will love the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Anita Mitchell

Going on holiday with your children can be an unforgettable experience and create memorable moments to last a lifetime. However, some parents may worry that once at their holiday destination, there may not be enough child-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained.

With the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, boredom simply isn't an option. Our 5-star Fiji resort is located next to a clean, safe and stunning beach in the Savusavu area, creating endless sun-filled adventures, perfect for your children.

Discover three reasons why your kids will love the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort and get ready for a fantastic family vacation like no other!

1. Bula Club

If you're travelling with children under the age of 12, be sure to tell them all about our world famous and award-winning Bula Club. Bula meaning 'health' and 'happiness' defines just what our kids club is all about – having lots of safe, action-packed fun. Each child will be assigned a buddy or personal nanny, depending on their age, where they can be looked after to the highest quality.

Now, to the fun stuff. Watch as your kids splash in their own, private pool complete with a water slide, take part in age-tailored activities where they can get stuck into arts and crafts, explore coral reefs and even learn how to cook tasty and traditional Fijian food while making a new, great group of friends.

Don't feel guilty about leaving the kids for an afternoon, once acquainted with our incredible staff members and buddies, they'll be having fun before you can say 'see you soon.' As they spend time burning off energy, pull up a seat by the adult pool, order in a cocktail and enjoy your afternoon in the sun.

Your kids will love our in-house Bula Club.

2. Complimentary excursions

Although the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort has plenty of family-friendly activities in the resort itself, we also appreciate that Savusavu and its surroundings are full of incredible things to do, too. With this in mind, we happily offer a fantastic range of complimentary excursions for our guests to enjoy. Depending on the day of the week, find a different trip to take the whole family on.

Immerse yourselves in island culture as you visit the traditional Fijian village of Nukubalavu, where you'll meet the village chief and other residents, learn about daily life and watch ceremonies and dance presentations.

Take a break from the sea and pool to visit one of the island's most incredible waterfalls. Hike through the lush, tropical rainforest and listen out for the native birdlife before discovering the hidden waterfall, complete with its very own jungle pool! Take a refreshing swim in the natural water as you dip in and out of the falling stream.

There's also kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, farmers markets and much, much more to enjoy, too!

3. Snorkelling

Speaking of water activities, the Jean Michel-Cousteau Resort sits on the bay of the stunning, crystal clear South Pacific Ocean, making for extraordinary snorkelling opportunities. Our resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, hosts dedicated family snorkelling trips to allow everyone to get in on the action. If you thought Nemo was only found on your television, think again. Find colourful corals, over a thousand different species of fish and of course, Clown fish.

Each child will receive their own, personal Jean-Michel Cousteau passport to fill with stamps as they complete our numerous cultural and marine activities.

With so many incredible things for children to get involved with at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, you can guarantee a fun-filled family holiday will be had by all.